Westside Digest

Santa Monica : Carrousel Fare to Double

The cost of a ride on the carrousel at Santa Monica Pier is rising July 1, to 50 cents for big kids, that is, people over 12. The Santa Monica City Council rejected a proposal to eliminate the carrousel's annual deficit of $52,000 by doubling the 25-cent cost of a ride for all ages.

Several council members said they feared that hiking the price would hurt low-income families. "It is one of the few real bargains left in Southern California," Councilman William Jennings said. Pier Director Gail Markens said the compromise increase will raise an extra $25,000 to $30,000.